Title I Pre-K Programs Earn NAEYC Re-accreditation

Pre-kindergarten programs at Bloomingdale, Fairfield, Holland, Nebraska, South Wayne and Study Elementary Schools have earned re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

We are proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards, said Barbara Roberts, Title 1 pre-K instructional coach for Fort Wayne Community Schools. NAEYC Accreditation allows families in our community to know that children in our programs are getting the best care and learning experiences.

All 15 of the district's Title 1 pre-K programs, as well as the program at Whitney Young Early Childhood Center, are NAEYC accredited. The pre-K program at Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center is accredited by the American Montessori Society.

To earn NAEYC re-accreditation, the programs at Bloomingdale, Fairfield, Holland, Nebraska, South Wayne and Study underwent an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. The programs received NAEYC re-accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC assessors to ensure they met each of the standards. NAEYC-accredited programs are also subject to unannounced visits during their accreditation, which lasts five years. These six schools have been accredited since 1996.

In the 25 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 7,000 programs nationwide are currently accredited by NAEYC, about 8 percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.

The NAEYC accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs, said Jerlean E. Daniel, executive director of NAEYC. Having earned NAEYC accreditation is a sign that Fort Wayne Community Schools is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.

The NAEYC Accreditation system has set voluntary professional standards for programs for young children since 1985. In September 2006, the Association revised program standards and criteria to introduce a new level of quality, accountability, and service for parents and children in child care programs. The new standards today reflect the latest research and best practices in early childhood education and development. NAEYC is committed to utilizing the newest studies and analysis on positive child outcomes to ensure young children continue receiving the highest-quality care and education possible.

For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit www.naeyc.org/academy.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.